The milk must get through (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

The milk must get through

3:07pm Wednesday 4th February 2009

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By Janet Wright »

When I looked out at the snowy landscape on Monday morning, there was already one set of footprints up to my door. Dustmen, recyclers, even buses were out of action – but, as always, the milkman had got through.

Doorstep deliveries of milk are one of those wonderful services that are good for the environment, public-spirited and convenient, all at the same time. The electric milk floats are an eco-warrior’s dream. They provide a lifeline to old or disabled people all year round, and more than ever when the weather’s bad. For many housebound people, the milkman is a vital link to the outside world.

These days they can also deliver all kinds of other goods, from fruit juice to organic vegetable boxes. Why lug bulky or heavy items such as loo rolls and potatoes back from the shops when you can bring them in off your doorstep before you leave for work? It cuts down on car journeys to the supermarket and gives overworked commuters a break from shopping.

So when you put in on order with your local milkman, you’re protecting the environment, reducing road congestion and looking after your elderly neighbours too. Not bad for a service that makes your own life easier.

They’re a welcome survival from an age when the world wasn’t organised around cars. And in the eco-minded twenty-first century, doorstep deliveries are on the verge of a big revival.

Waltham Forest council is big on environmental gestures, so you’d think it would support this essential service that costs it nothing. The council bought a fleet of green vehicles a few years ago (though sadly these were later found to be rusting away unused). And the latest copy of the council’s fortnightly handout WFM is emblazoned with “We’re wiping out enviro-crime”. Good news for the clean green milkman, you may think.

But unfortunately, Waltham Forest is the biggest threat to the milk-delivery service. Waltham Forest traffic wardens are notorious for issuing parking fines to milk floats while the milkman is standing on customers' doorsteps.

You’d think any council, let alone one trying to big up its green credentials, would give a bit of leeway to this community service rather than attacking it. So why not do yourself a favour and support it by putting in an order yourself?

Walthamstow’s milkman comes from Parker Dairies at 220, Wood St, Walthamstow E17 3NA, tel 020 8520 5943. To find one in other areas, go to www.yell.com and search for “dairies” with your postcode. And if you care about the threat to this harmless and valuable service, find your local councillor here and ask them to give it a break.